Scientific Name: Corythoichthys flavofasciatus
Max. size: 12.0 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment: reef-associated; marine ; depth range - 25 m
Distribution: Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to the Tuamoto Islands, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to northern Australia and the Austral Islands; throughout Micronesia.
Morphology: Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 26-36
Biology: Found among algal-matted rock and living corals of lagoon and seaward reefs from the low tide line to a depth of 25 m or more
Aquarium Care:This Pipefish is difficult to keep in an aquarium and should be kept with other pipefish and seahorses in a separate species-only tank that is 50 gallons or larger with multiple caves and overhangs. It will not harm ornamental invertebrates in a reef setting. DO NOT HOUSE it with invertebrates with stinging tentacles (most corals and anemones), because they can harm it. Pipefish reacts poorly when harassed by other more aggressive fish such as blennies, wrasses, tobies, triggerfish, and porcupinefish.
The diet should consist of small live invertebrates such as vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, baby guppies, grass shrimp, mosquito larva, and daphnia. If the Banded Pipefish will eat them, frozen mysid shrimp provide good nutrition. It needs to be fed at least three times per day, and is a very slow eater because of its tiny tubular mouth.